Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

Jeannette Wood passed away, comfortably, at her home in Woodway on Jan. 9, 2021, after a long struggle with dementia. Born in Auburn, New York, on Feb. 19, 1932, to Nick and Rose Picciano, Jeannette attended Cornell University and earned a degree in home economics in 1953.

It was at Cornell where Jeannette met the love of her life, Ross Wood. They were married on Jeannette's birthday on Feb. 19, 1955, and spent the next 57 years together until Ross' passing in 2012. In 1959, Ross received an offer to work for the Boeing Company. They decided to come out west and try it for a few years. They never went back.

Ross and Jeannette settled in Woodway in 1965. Jeannette was active in her community, serving on the Woodway Town Council for six years and also serving as Woodway mayor. In 1988, Jeannette was appointed to fill a vacancy in the State House of Representatives; she successfully ran for three terms as a representative of the 21st Legislative District.

In 1994 she was appointed to the State Senate, where she served until 1999. Jeannette was a strong supporter of education and served on the Edmonds (Community) College Foundation Board from 1990 to 1997. She was appointed to the Edmonds (Community) College Board of Trustees by Gov. Gregoire in October 2006, where she served until September 2011.

Jeannette was a Rotarian, member of the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and active in numerous charitable organizations. Jeannette was longtime, active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Edmonds.

Those who were lucky enough to know Jeannette loved her for her compassion, honesty, and wisdom. You always knew exactly where Jeannette stood on a subject, but she was always willing to listen and consider other's opinions. Jeannette did not suffer fools lightly, yet would be your strongest supporter if you were open and honest.

She was a fierce proponent of women's rights, and worked hard for equal rights for all. Jeannette was an extremely talented seamstress, sewing wedding dresses (and bridesmaid dresses!) for her daughters and daughters of family friends, as well as creating many beautiful vestment robes for the lucky parish priests.

Jeannette is preceded in death by her husband, Ross, sister Carol, and grandson Benjamin. Jeannette is survived by her six children: Ross (Kathy), Chris (Shannon), Jon (Carolyn), Therese (Bruce), Bridget (David), and Megan (Jack); 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Edmonds College. Foundation: https://www.edmonds.edu/foundation/give/default.html.

Funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Church, Edmonds, on Jan. 29, 2021, at 11 a.m.

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